FERNANDO TORRES is backing Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard to be one of the stars of the World Cup.

The England midfielder played the second half of yesterday’s unconvincing 2-1 victory over Japan in Austria.

Gerrard suffered a minor knee injury in the final warm-up match in Graz but has been passed fit for the finals in South Africa and Spanish striker Torres believes his club captain is crucial to England’s hopes of glory.

“There are maybe five players at the World Cup who can win a big game on their own – Stevie is one of them,” Torres said.

“He’s in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that’s how good he is.

“I prefer it when he plays further forward for England and supports (Wayne) Rooney. That is when England look at their most dangerous. Rooney and Stevie must have big tournaments. If they do then England should be very much feared.”

Liverpool trio Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher and Gerrard all played for England yesterday and look certain to make the cut when Fabio Capello names his 23-man squad tomorrow.

Johnson was handed a starting berth before being substituted at half-time, while Gerrard and Carragher both played the second half.

Liverpool are considering their options after having a £2million bid rejected by Rangers for talented young defender Danny Wilson.

Manager Rafael Benitez is a big fan of the 18-year-old centre-back and is hoping to bring him to Anfield this summer.

However, Liverpool insist they won’t be held to ransom over Wilson, who only has 12 months remaining on his current deal and has turned down Rangers’ offer of a new contract.

Liverpool must now decide whether to up their bid or focus their attention on other targets.